After receiving the National Civil Rights Museum’s “International Freedom Award,†His Holiness the Dalai Lama said to the audience:
“I call myself a feminist,†… “Isn’t that what you call someone who fights for women’s rights?â€
“Whether you believe this religion or that religion, we are all the same human beings,†…“We all come from the same mother. That creates the basis for compassion.â€
via: MemphisFlyer.com and FeministLawProfessors
Fantastic. Feminists believe in equality for all. Always great to see someone as well loved as the Dalai Lama proclaim himself “feminist” – I was appalled at my Women in American History class that I was the only one who proudly proclaimed my place as a feminist… mostly because of misunderstanding about the term. Yay for feminists of both genders and beliefs!
Julie,
Thank you for your comment! I was talking last night about what the Dalai Lama had said, and remarked at how simple it all is. It’s about fighting for rights for women and girls, which is really fighting for the rights of all beings to live lives filled with rights, dignity, honor and the freedom to be. What is so hard about that?
I think you are spot-on about the misunderstanding of the term. Words only point to things, and this word has had many concepts and feelings attached to it. Women being fully themselves, and owning their power, scares many men AND women. Yet, as the Dalai Lama said, it is exactly what the world needs right now.
I so appreciate your enthusiasm and delight.
Julie